The lower oval at Bales Park is an off-leash area in Chatswood, in the City of Willoughby, but only during set weekday hours. It’s unfenced, so dogs need reliable recall and it connects to an on-leash bushwalk if you want to extend the outing.
Bales Park: At a Glance
- 🐾 The Vibe: A leafy sports ground with a peaceful, spacious off-leash run during set weekday hours.
- 🐕 Best For: An after-work run for local dogs with reliable recall, or as a starting point for an on-leash bushwalk.
- Off-Leash Hours: Weekdays only, 4:00pm to 9:00am the next morning. No weekends or public holidays.
- Fencing: Unfenced. The oval is open to the surrounding park.
- 🅿️ Parking: A free car park is on-site, with the best access off Sydney Street.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Conditional Off-Leash Oval: The large sportsground is off-leash on weekdays from 4:00pm to 9:00am. It is strictly on-leash at all other times, including all day on weekends.
- Unfenced Grassy Field: The open area is good for running, but only suits dogs with reliable recall.
- Drinking Water: A water bubbler is on-site, but there’s no dog bowl, so bring your own.
- Poo Bags: None on-site. Bring your own.
For the Humans
- On-Site Car Park: Access is easiest off Sydney Street.
- Park Amenities: Public toilets and seating are available in the wider park.
- No Lighting: The oval isn’t floodlit, so it’s a daytime and early-evening spot only.
Insider Tip: The oval connects directly to the on-leash Ferndale Park walking track, so you can add a bushwalk before or after the off-leash run.
The Final Verdict
Bales Park suits a specific routine: a weekday run for dogs with reliable recall, timed around the 4:00pm to 9:00am window. It’s unfenced, and there’s no weekend or public holiday access, so it won’t fit every routine, but paired with the on-leash Ferndale Park track, it makes for a solid weekday outing close to Chatswood.
For more official information, visit the Willoughby City Council website.
Bales Park: FAQ
Q: Can my dog be off-leash at Bales Park on the weekend?
A: No. Off-leash access isn’t permitted on weekends or public holidays. It’s allowed on weekdays from 4:00pm to 9:00am the next morning.
Q: Is Bales Park a fenced dog park?
A: No. The off-leash area is a large, unfenced sports oval, suited to dogs with reliable recall.
